The C-max Energi has multiple driving modes, but how do they interact with other features of the car?

For example, when the climate control is set to Auto, the Energi decides when it needs engine help to heat the car to the selected temp. This defeats the EV Now mode and gives a message that 'engine enabled for system performance'.

Is there a way to disable this, or change this? When I select EV Now, I want EV Now - I would think the Energi would leave the engine off and give a message that says 'to maintain selected heat, change driving modes' or something to that affect...??

So I found some information on driving mode of C-max Energi I hope this answers your query.

With Press of a Button, More Like a Volt

This feature makes the C-Max Energi much more like a Chevrolet Volt, offering a pure EV experience for the first 20 miles (compared to the Volt’s 35 or so miles). C-Max Energi drivers can also use the “EV Later” button, similar to the Volt’s Mountain Mode, to save grid-supplied energy for later use—or keep the vehicle in “EV Auto” mode, in which the vehicle operates more like the conventional C-Max hybrid. (Keep in mind that the C-Max Hybrid is rated at 47 miles per gallon, compared a 37-mpg rating for the Volt’s charge-sustaining mode.)

When EV Now mode is utilized, the C-Max will stay all-electric—except when zooming down the highway above 85 miles per hour; when the state-of-charge of the 7.5-kWh battery pack gets low enough to begin transition from charge-depletion to charge-sustaining; or for the “very rare event” of high battery temperature. During full-throttle events below 85 mph, and while in EV Now mode, a dashboard prompt will appear, asking the driver to continue in all-electric mode or to switch into the EV automatic mode.

A tip:When in EV mode press the ok to enable engine when starting from a stop or you're climbing a small hill.I use EV mode mostly for flat areas or going down a grade. Oh don't forget to push the button on the shifter when going down steep grades, it not only slows you down but almost doubles the charge rate.Don't forget to push the button again after you're done down the hill.You will increase your EV range, we are up to 29 estimated EV range by doing this.